Employment Specialist/Job Coach

Goodwill Industries of Gr. Cleveland & East Central Ohio • Cleveland, OH

10d

About The Position

Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East Central Ohio is hiring an Employment Specialist in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. The role helps people move toward employment by supporting them from intake through goal planning and discharge. The specialist matches participants’ backgrounds, skills, and interests with job openings, prepares them for interviews, and supports their entry into the workforce. The role also develops relationships with employers and public agencies in the community.

The position provides vocational services including intake, job development, employment support, community-based assessment, and vocational training. It involves working with participants and their support networks to set and review person-centered goals, assess and develop work skills, document progress, and connect participants with community resources. The specialist must follow CARF standards, applicable laws, confidentiality requirements, and safety policies.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in education, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, counseling, business, or a related field preferred; alternatively, a high school diploma and three years of experience providing vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities or barriers to employment.
• Knowledge of the local labor market and community services.
• Clear communication with participants, families, colleagues, community partners, and employers.
• Ability to earn people’s trust and clearly document program activities in case notes and reports.
• Comfort with the internet, Microsoft Office, and smartphones, and ability to learn case management systems.
• Strong organization and time management skills, with attention to detail.
• First Aid and CPR certification required; these may be completed after hire.
• Ability to complete State of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities provider training.
• Valid driver’s license with five or fewer points, and auto insurance.
• Background check required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in vocational rehabilitation.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, or people facing other barriers to employment.
• Other certifications may be requested, such as Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP).

Responsibilities

• Provide vocational services such as intake, job development, employment support, community-based assessment, and vocational training.
• Conduct participant intakes and histories to identify vocational goals and appropriate supports.
• Lead the Person-Centered Planning process with participants and their supports, and review plans regularly to track progress.
• Assess participants’ work skills and help them build new skills.
• Record participant progress and complete documentation and reports on time.
• Connect participants with community supports and referrals.
• Meet regularly with participants and attend planning meetings and required trainings.
• Follow CARF standards, applicable laws, and confidentiality rules.
• Follow all safety policies.
• Match participants’ backgrounds, skills, and interests with job openings, prepare them for interviews, and help them enter the workforce.
• Build relationships with employers and public agencies in the community.

Benefits

• Daily Pay
• Generous paid time off
• Retirement planning with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discount
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits at a fraction of the premium cost for full-time employees
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost for full-time employees
• Life insurance at no cost for full-time employees
• Paid holidays for full-time employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree